[NN] 2^d June 1798 Sir Previous to your arrival in this City I offered my sentiments to the President, & to the Secretary at War, respecting the Appointments of Captain Tho^s Robinson to Command one of the Armed Ships of the United States. I think it due to you as chief of the Naval Department, to give such information as I may be possessed of with respect to his Merits — Captain Robinson has been Master of a Vessel thirteen or fifteen years, was Pressed during the late War, & served as Masters Mate of the Warwick a 50 Gun Ship & brought home a handsome Certificate from Captain Cephingston, which he threw away as of no service — Captain Robinson is a native American, an excellent Seaman, a firm man in Commanding, brave, a man of Honour & a Gentleman. This Statement is made with a view of serving my Country rather than of giving an Éclat to a friend. I am Sir With esteem Your Ob^t Serv^t [undecipherable: probable reading: T. Hicks?] [cover sheet notation: 1798 — Recommendation of Capt Tho^s Robinson for a Command in the Navy of the United States —] [address: The Honble The Secretary of the Navy] [docketing: rec^d 2^d June]